my ignition switch has gone out on my 06 jeep liberty. the key turns but it`s like there are no tumblers in it, and my ignition is stuck in on position,the dash lights are on but no start. my ? is if i remove the switch can i start it with a screw driver?

my ignition switch has gone out on my 06 jeep liberty. the key turns but it`s like there are no tumblers in it, and my ignition is stuck in on position,the dash lights are on but no start. my ? is if i remove the switch can i start it with a screw driver?

Yes you can start it with a small flat screwdriver.

Remove the covers from the steering wheel...two female Torx screws then remove the smaller Torx screw holding the ignition switch onto the actuator oin assembly. This small Torx screw requires a "security" male Torx bit which has a hole drilled in the center.

I am sure you will find that the "actuator assembly" has snapped off which is why the ignition switch does not move. This is plastic/zinc and has a habit of breaking off.

The Dealers do not stock this actuator assembly but will insist you buy the whole steering column assembly. Do a search here on "actuator assembly" or at the lostjeeps forum or the jeepkj forum and you will find where to buy the actuator assembly and how to replace it.

In the meantime, with the key in the ignition slot so that the steering lock is released and so the the key chip will activate SKIS if you have it fitted...turn the ignition switch with a small flat screwdriver and it should fire up.

Remove the covers from the steering wheel...two female Torx screws then remove the smaller Torx screw holding the ignition switch onto the actuator oin assembly. This small Torx screw requires a "security" male Torx bit which has a hole drilled in the center.

I am sure you will find that the "actuator assembly" has snapped off which is why the ignition switch does not move. This is plastic/zinc and has a habit of breaking off.

The Dealers do not stock this actuator assembly but will insist you buy the whole steering column assembly. Do a search here on "actuator assembly" or at the lostjeeps forum or the jeepkj forum and you will find where to buy the actuator assembly and how to replace it.

In the meantime, with the key in the ignition slot so that the steering lock is released and so the the key chip will activate SKIS if you have it fitted...turn the ignition switch with a small flat screwdriver and it should fire up.

You will Know if you have it installed if when you turn on the ignition a "KEY" symbol with a line through it light up in amber for a few seconds.

SKIS systems have a coded chip inbedded in the plastic of the key...when the key is inserted into the ignition key slot the chip sends a code to a SKIM module which sits just below the key barrel on the steering shaft...this SKIM module has a wire loop going around the key slot and picks up the code from the chip in the key.

The code is sent to the PCM/ECM and if the PCM/ECM is happy with the code the "key" symbol goes out and you can start the Jeep.

This prevents thieves trying to hot-wire the ignition or use a copied metal key to start the Jeep.

So if you have SKIS installed then you have to have the chipped key in the ignition slot while you turn the ignition switch with a screwdriver or the engine will not start.